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Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
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Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies combine classic buttery shortbread with vibrant strawberry flavor using freeze-dried strawberries for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and customizable, these charming cookies add a sweet, fruity touch to holidays, parties, or everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Dough

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberry Powder: Crush or pulse the freeze-dried strawberries until you get a fine powder to evenly infuse strawberry flavor without adding moisture.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until fluffy and pale, creating a tender texture for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently mix in the flour, strawberry powder, salt, and vanilla extract using a spatula or hands until a smooth dough forms, taking care not to overwork it.
  4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.
  5. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Optional Decoration: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white or dark chocolate on top for added sweetness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use cold butter before creaming for a flakier cookie texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
  • Roll dough evenly for uniform baking.
  • Chill cut cookies before baking to maintain shape and prevent spreading.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • Optional add-ins: lemon zest, almond extract, fresh strawberries (finely chopped and patted dry), or chocolate drizzle.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry, shortbread, heart-shaped cookies, vanilla, freeze-dried strawberries, gluten-free option, buttery cookies, Valentine's Day, fruit cookies, baking

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/heart-shaped-strawberry-shortbread-cookies/